I was very honoured to have my book launch for my big 1916 book, Rebel Sisters, held in Dublin’s National Library on Thursday 4th February 2016.

The library is one of my favourite places and so much of the research for the book was done there, that it was very fitting. Sandra Collins, the Director of the National Library of Ireland was so generous to host the launch and made everyone feel very welcome.

Eoin McHugh, head of Transworld Ireland said more kind words. I was overwhelmed by playwright and author Frank McGuinness’s praise for the book. As Frank read a chapter from Rebel Sisters, he seemed to bring the words to life and held everyone present spellbound.

I was very privileged also that some family members of those that took part in the 1916 Easter Rising also attended.

It was such a very special night with family and friends and some of my fellow writers there too. My agent Caroline Sheldon and editor Francesca Best both came over from London to join in the celebrations.

Gathered in this wonderful, much loved building, surrounded by the National Library’s 1916 Commemoration Display, which included words and photographs of so many of the people that I have written about in the book, was strangely perfect.

I found it all very emotional as my very first book Under the Hawthorn Tree was also launched in the National Library over 25 years ago.

The celebrations and party for Rebel Sisters continued in nearby Davy Byrne’s (it is mentioned in the book).

Thanks you so much to everyone for coming along. It was a wonderful night that this grateful writer will never forget!

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